The descriptions of elementary age children representing 42 different social studies classrooms and the ways in which social studies is conducted in their classrooms are presented. In interviews children were asked to describe what happened on a day-to-day basis in their social studies classes; what they liked and disliked about social studies and why they liked or disliked it; what they would like to do more often and what they would like to do less; and anything else they would change. From the interviews eight distinct protocols for social studies instruction emerged: (1) "Teacher Reads"; (2) "Students Read"; (3) "Lecture/Discussion"; (4) "Correct, Read, Complete"; (5) "Packets"; (6) "Outlining"; (7) "Copy the Notes"; and (8) "Varied Activities." It was found that almost all of the protocols were primarily involved with the passing of factual information--usually, if not exclusively, from the social studies text. It is not surprising, therefore, that nearly half of the children interviewed said they disliked social studies and nearly a third said social studies was their least favorite subject. A 9-item list of references is included. (DB)